I can understand why fed is more popular as he won a million slams and has a very elegant game.

However I'm not sure why nadal is so much more popular than nole. Nole was the best player over the last 2 years and he is also a very funny and intelligent person (IMO the most intelligent out of the top4-although I cannot judge murray). nadal on the other hand barely speeks english and is not an "interesting person" (not say he is boring but he doesn't have any apealing stories for the media) in general.

he is (was?) a fantastic player but his game does not have a federer level of elegance either.

so why is he still much more popular than nole? I agree that nole sometimes does questionable stuff but I do think he does not get the respect he deserves.

Nole's early years where he was rather obnoxious and attention seeking hurt him. Though I liked that Nole way better then the current one.

Love me some Nole with a chip on his shoulder. Its too bad he had to actually mature. An obnoxious jerk IMO is what this game needs .. Its a breathe of fresh air. Instead of these slew of politically correct PR prima donnas, always having to watch what they say or some sissy's feelings will get hurt

Nole's early years where he was rather obnoxious and attention seeking hurt him. Though I liked that Nole way better then the current one.

Love me some Nole with a chip on his shoulder. Its too bad he had to actually mature. An obnoxious jerk IMO is what this game needs .. Its a breathe of fresh air. Instead of these slew of politically correct PR prima donnas, always having to watch what they say or some sissy's feelings will get hurt

I agree, they are all so bland these days. The last real character near the top of the sport was Safin.

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Sloane Stephens and Laura Robson: future WTA world No 1 and 2.

Athletes who are Spanish speaking tend to be popular in countries where Spanish is spoken, and there are MANY of these, not least the USA among others. Not many places where Serbian is spoken, though Novak certainly speaks adequate English.

Nadal's rise to fame is basically because he represents the anti-Federer. Yin and yang. Not any better or worse, just opposite. Federer plays elegant and offensive attacking tennis while Nadal plays brutal and gritty counter-punching. Federer is the most naturally talented player to ever play while Nadal is the hardest worker. Federer exudes class and skill and Nadal brutality and youth. Anyone who dislikes one is bound to like the other.

Nadal definitely has character on his own but his traits are magnified by comparing him to Federer. Together they have achieved higher popularity than they ever would have separately. For Djokovic and Murray to achieve this kind of popularity they will have to take their rivalry to the next level.

Nadal is popular because he came up as Federer's nemesis. Fire vs ice, grit vs silk, rough-hewn vs smooth, counterpuncher vs attacker, moonball vs flatball (not to put him down, just wanted something concise here ). In addition, you can see the effort that goes into his game, which I think appeals to the common man.

Everything Djokovic is known for (defensive gets, physicality) was first spoken of in association with Nadal, even if he is better in some respects perhaps. Djokovic also has no unique shots or on-court persona.